Kulgam, Nov 07 (KNO): Health and Medical Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Saturday said that Outpatient Department (OPD) services at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, are expected to commence during the ongoing month.
Taking to reporters on the sidelines of inauguration of developmental projects at Gudder here in South Kashmir', Itoo, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the OPD facility getting operational at AIIMS would provide much-needed respite to the people. “It would be an important step towards ensuring access to advanced healthcare facilities closer to people's homes, reducing their dependence on hospitals outside the Union Territory.”
She said Union Health Minister J P Nadda, who visited AIIMS Awantipora earlier this week to review the progress of the institute, had issued necessary directions to the concerned authorities for expediting the process and starting OPD services at the earliest.
The Health Minister further said she had raised the issue of increasing MBBS seats at AIIMS Awantipora from the existing 50 to 100 with the Union Health Minister, adding that the demand stands accepted.
Itoo said the increase in MBBS seats would create additional opportunities for aspiring medical students from Jammu and Kashmir while also strengthening the region's medical education infrastructure.
She added that she had also urged the Union Health Minister to ensure the availability of advanced medical machinery, modern diagnostic equipment and adequate infrastructure at the institute so that patients could receive specialised treatment without being compelled to travel to other states.
CANCER CASES INCREASING AT ALARMING RATE
Highlighting the growing burden of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir, Itoo said she had specifically requested the installation of advanced cancer diagnostic equipment at AIIMS Awantipora to facilitate early detection and timely treatment.
"Cancer cases are increasing at an alarming rate in Jammu and Kashmir. I have requested the Union Health Minister to ensure that advanced machinery and diagnostic facilities, particularly for cancer detection, are made available at AIIMS Awantipora. Early diagnosis is crucial, as it can help patients receive timely treatment and improve their chances of recovery," she said.
She said the availability of modern diagnostic and treatment facilities at the institute would help strengthen the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir and provide significant relief to patients, particularly those from economically weaker sections who often face difficulties travelling outside the Union Territory for specialised medical care.
Pertinently, AIIMS Awantipora is among the major centrally sponsored healthcare projects in Jammu and Kashmir and is expected to emerge as a major centre for tertiary healthcare, medical education and research in the region. The institute's early operationalisation has remained a longstanding demand of residents, who have been awaiting the commencement of services after several deadlines were missed—(KNO)